Beaulieu Vineyard

2018 Reserve Clone 4 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

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2018 Reserve Clone 4 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon
Beaulieu Vineyard

2018 Reserve Clone 4 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

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750mL

This very limited bottling of the 2018 Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon, demonstrates the unique characteristics of a wine made from vines planted to this single, outstanding clone during this exceptional vintage. Intense musky aromas and flavors of perfumed blackberry, black cherry, blueberry pie, dark plum and black licorice are interwoven seamlessly with the baking spice notes of nutmeg, anise, clove, brown sugar and molasses. There is also a subtler brambly or sauvage (hence the grape's name) note of wild herb bay leaf, mocha and sarsaparilla on the lengthy, mouthwatering, juicy finish. The wine is full and rich, a true powerhouse, exhibiting earthy notes of graphite, tar, espresso and dark chocolate. Full of great intensity, supported by firm, grippy tannins that are well-balanced with the oak spice from new French oak barrels, this Cabernet is saturated and lip-smackingly good. Perfect for enjoying now and this wine will continue to develop complexity in the bottle as it can age well for another 20+ years when stored at ideal cellar temperatures.
94 pts
“Lots of chocolate, walnut and almond aromas with dried berries and cherries. It’s full-bodied with round, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Bigger style for a 2018. Drink or hold.”
James Suckling, June 2021
94 pts
“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 4 is an intriguing wine, but it feels a bit lighter than in the past, with a touch less mid-palate depth and pliancy. Here the flavors lean into the red fruit end of the spectrum, with pretty spice, cedar and floral accents that add complexity. This is an especially lifted and perfumed expression of Clone 4 that emphasizes freshness over power.”
Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2021

Technical info

Alcohol 14.9%
Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon
Blend 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation Napa Valley
Oak treatment 22 months in French oak, with 100% new barrels

Winemaking

At our state-of-the-art winery, dedicated exclusively to the production of our Reserve wines, we utilized the latest technology to destem and sort the berries of this clone to retain only the highest quality fruit. Cold soaking of the must and gentle pump overs mixed the flavor-rich skins with the juice. Upon completion of primary fermentation, we pressed and transferred the wine to new French oak barrels for in-barrel malolactic fermentation and aging. Because of the uniqueness of the expression of this clonal selection of Cabernet Sauvignon, we treat this wine as a special lot or single vineyard wine.
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Vintage

The Napa Valley region enjoyed a stunning, near picture-perfect 2018 growing season including good winter rains, mild spring weather and steady temperatures throughout that allowed for even flowering and bud break. These ideal growing conditions were followed by a cool, even and slow-paced harvest which allowed the winery to vinify wines at a gentle pace. The resulting 2018 Cabernets are of very high quality with plenty of concentrated flavors, color and excellent acidity.

Vineyard

In 1980, we began a 14-year series of trials in conjunction with UC Davis, to identify Cabernet Sauvignon clones best suited to our Rutherford Bench terroir. Two clones (4 and 6) were ultimately selected for grafting to rootstocks planted in the well-draining, alluvial fan soils of our estate vineyards. As a component of our Georges de Latour and other reserve Cabernet Sauvignons, Clone 4 gives the blend pronounced, lush, full flavors and has softer, more approachable tannins in its youth. Also known as the Mendoza clone, it was identified and isolated in Argentina and then brought to the United States. Known for its larger berries and tighter berry cluster, resulting in a Cabernet with lush, round and opulent style.
In 1980, we began a 14-year series of trials in conjunction with UC Davis, to identify Cabernet Sauvignon clones best suited to our Rutherford Bench terroir. Two clones (4 and 6) were ultimately selected for grafting to rootstocks planted in the well-draining, alluvial fan soils of our estate vineyards. As a component of our Georges de Latour and other reserve Cabernet Sauvignons, Clone 4 gives the blend pronounced, lush, full flavors and has softer, more approachable tannins in its youth. Also known as the Mendoza clone, it was identified and isolated in Argentina and then brought to the United States. Known for its larger berries and tighter berry cluster, resulting in a Cabernet with lush, round and opulent style.

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